Congressman Mike Bost on gas prices, war in Iran, and why he won’t debate his Democratic opponent

Produced by Christine Hatfield
 
a white man with gray hair has a stern look on his face; he's wearing a dark blue three-piece suit with a light dress shirt and a necktie with red, white and blue stripes

Congressman Mike Bost, who represents the southern third of Illinois, attends a news conference on March 5, 2026, in Washington. Allison Robbert/AP

Republican Congressman Mike Bost is running for another term in Illinois’ 12th District, which includes roughly the bottom third of Illinois. We’ll talk with him about gas prices, the war in Iran, cuts to Medicaid, and why he won't debate his Democratic opponent, Julie Fortier.

You can also listen to our interview with Fortier from Aug. 18, 2026.

Guest

U.S. Rep. Mike Bost
Republican, Illinois' 12th Congressional District

(Editor's note: Both Bost and Fortier were invited for a full hour, live on radio. Fortier accepted; Bost scheduled 30 minutes, pre-recorded.)